BASKET BALL 

for 

Beginners 



By 

Joseph T. Russell 
Physical Director 



DENVER ATHLETIC CLUB 

DENVER, COLORADO 



Copyright 192 2 
Joseph T, Russell 



BASKET BALL 

for 

Beginners 



By 

Joseph T. Russell 
Physical Director 



DENVER ATHLETIC CLUB 

DENVER, COLORADO 



Copyright 192 2 
Joseph T. Russell 




FEB - I 1922 

Cl Ae57057 



INTRODUCTION 



This booklet is prepared especially for beginners in 
the game of Basket Ball. It is the result of my own ex- 
perience in teaching and developing players for the past 
20 years. 

Form in Basket Ball is just as essential to the de- 
velopment of the player as in any other sport. Bad hab- 
its formed at the start stick to the player. Improper 
start will limit a player's development and advancement, 
while the proper start will allow the player to progress 
evenly to the full limit of his capacity. The start in 
the right way develops better players and better teams. 

The following rules provide, I believe, all the funda- 
mentals essential for the beginner to bear in mind up to 
the time, when he becomes sufficiently expert to devise 
such additions and variations as every advanced and 
expert player necessarily develops in the course of his 
game. 



Basket Ball for Beginners 

BY JOSEPH T. RUSSELL 

The first impression a beginner has on coming on the 
basket ball court is the vastness of the court and the 
height of the baskets. He secures possession of the ball 
and tries to "shoot'' a basket. With an under handed 
throw, standing a short distance away, he raakes a trial 
throw. It seems to be a difficult thing to do. If other 
players are on the floor he proceeds to learn by imita- 
tion. An experienced player can very easily give the 
beginner the wrong start. He dashes at the ball, picks 
it up on the go, jumps, and throws for the basket in his 
own individual style. Sometimes using "english" or a 
twist on the ball, and other times he does not. 

The beginner tries to do the same way. But in his 
throw, the jump, the speed, and the throw will be too 
strong and high. Unless corrected it will take him many, 
many tries, and sometimes days, before he will cage the 
ball. The men will be traveling a circle, each taking a 
turn 'at throwing for the basket, the rotary motion, his 
place in line, and the speed displayed, will cause the 
beginner to get the wrong methods. 

Now the proper method to start for the beginner 
is : To take a standing position in front of and to one 
side of the basket, with the ball in both hands at the 
chest, without jumping, push the ball from the chest; 
hit the back board just above and a little to one side of 



5 



the basket, for his throw. The throw or push is just 
high enough to clear the basket. Do not put "english" or 
a twist on the ball. After a few trials he will soon find 
the ''spot'' on the back board and will cage the ball 
regularly. 

The next step is the same shot, with a jump, from 
the standing position. Use same push or throw until 
he has accommodated the throw to the jump, which will 
require less height and speed for- the throw, than from 
a standing position. Then he is ready to come forward 
with a dash ; receive the ball from a player placed under 
the basket to pass, jump and throw, using the same 
method as from a standing position. 

This close-up shot is sometimes called the "floater", 
the ''dead shot'', or the "sure shot". I like the latter 
name best. 

It would be best to start handling the ball with two 
hands. In grasping the ball spread the fingers wide, it 
will give a firmer grip and better control in the pass and 
the throw. In shooting for the basket to avoid "english" 
make the push from the chest and point the fingers 
straight ahead. Do not bend the wrist upward. On a 
two-handed under hand throw, place the hands well 
under the ball with the fingers spread wide. On a 
two-handed over head throw place the hands well be- 
hind the ball. 

Individuality has a great deal to do with how a 
player shoots for the basket. Some are stronger in the 
right arm than in the left, while others are more even 
in strength of the arms. A few individuals can do better 



6 



with a one-handed shot, close-up, than they can with the 
two-handed shot. This individuality develops as the 
player becomes more advanced. Better results can be 
obtained in the one-handed shot from close-up position 
by using the ''shot put" throw. In the ''shot put" throw, 
the ball is held in one hand on the shoulder, and the 
throw is made with an upward push. It is advisable to 
stick to the two-handed throws as they can be controlled 
easier. 

I do not believe in "english" or twirling the ball, it 
takes too much practice to make a goal, although it is 
true some players can throw the ball a longer distance 
by using "english". The word "english" is used a great 
deal in billiards and pool games. But the "english" is 
not put on the cue ball unless the player is trying to 
make the cue ball take a greater angle. With years of 
practice an expert can make the ball "behave". 

Now liken the back board to the cushion, the basket 
ball to the cue ball, and the goal to the pocket. Would 
the expert player use "english" to place the ball in the 
pocket, first hitting the cushion? No he would not. In 
the basket ball game the player has a great advantage, 
there is no obstruction in the way of his bank for the 
basket. He does not have to put "english" on the ball. 
He uses straight angles when playing against the back 
board. 

The regulation back board is made of hard wood or 
glass and in the majority of cases is placed against a 
solid wall or balcony. The rebound of the inflated bas- 
ket ball is very great and therefore in using the back 



7 



board the ball should not be thrown against it with force. 
On some floors where the back board is ''fast" it would 
be well to play the shots for the basket alone. 

The goal is attached to the back board at right an- 
gles and is raised 10 feet above the floor. If this same 
size ring Avas marked on the floor and a player was given 
the ball to drop into the ring, he would get over the ring 
to do it. Therefore in throwing for the basket to make 
a goal, the ball should have height enough to drop down- 
ward thru the ring. The basket being 10 feet above the 
floor, it is logical to say that a throw, from any distance, 
without using the back board, if only raised 11 feet, will 
not go into the basket. 

The space on the floor between the straight lines, 
under the basket, to the large circle surrounding the 
Foul throwing lines, are called the Free Throw Lanes. 
Using these lines as a guide all throws made within this 
radius should be thrown against the back board. All 
throws outside of this radius should be thrown to drop 
thru the basket without hitting the back board. That 
means that the throws outside of this radius must be 
high, arched shots. 

The throws made while going toward the basket are 
caged more times than those made while going away 
from the basket. I will venture to say that 9 out of 10 
goals made in a game will be made when the player is 
going toward the basket. There is a rule in the game 
that allows a player to stop when he receives the ball 
while on the run. Then another rule, that allows one 
step to be made in making a pass or a throw for the 



8 



basket. This being true it would be well to practice go- 
ing toward the basket when trying to make a goal. If 
the ball is received as the player is going away from the 
basket, or the dribble is being made away from it, stop, 
step in the direction of the basket and throw for the goal. 
The one step should, if possible, be made toward the 
basket when throwing for a goal, as the eye accommo- 
dates itself quicker to the distance when going forward, 
than when going backward. 

Habits of - practice stick to the player in the game. 
If he practices throws and at the same time jumps away 
from the basket he will unconsciously do that same way 
in the game. Practice forms habits and good habits in 
the game is what makes a man a good player. 

In throwing from the Foul line, the player should 
train himself so that at least 8 out of 10 throws will go 
thru the basket. This is possible. The throw here is 
more mechanical than any other shot in the game. It 
is from the same distance, the same direction, and plenty 
of time is allowed. 

The player takes a stand behind the Foul line. The 
feet are spread to secure a firm stanch ; the ball is held 
for a two-handed under hand shot; the knees are bent 
without raising the heels ; the body is bent a little for- 
ward ; the arms are straight and held straight throughout 
the entire movement. Then the body and knees are 
straightened, and the arms brought up for the throw, 
; all movements at the same time. It is a high, arched 
shot and the aim is for the basket, using the back of the 
rim for a guide. The arms continue on upward even 

9 



I 



after the ball has left the hands. The throw should not 
over balance the body so that the player steps on or over 
the Foul line. 



The player makes the same motions with his arms, 
legs, and body each time until he has located the proper 
amount of strength to use. The position each time is 
the same. He tries to be as mechanical as it is humanly 
possible. A trained gymnast, that has well developed 
co-ordination of brain and muscle, can do best in a throw 
of this nature. 

At this time the beginners can put some interest in 
their practice by counting the number of throws made 
in succession, either on the ''sure shot'' or from the foul 
line. See how many can be made in five or ten trials. 
Two or more players can have a game by taking turns 
in shooting for the basket from the position they receive 
the ball. Goals made close up count 2 points, goals made 
from outside the radius of the Free Throw Lane lines 
counts 5 points. 21 points is a game. If a player goes 
above 21 points he breaks and begins over again. 
Another game of "21'' can be played, by each player 
taking three throws. The first from the foul line, if made 
to count 5 points. The second from position the ball is 
received, if made to count 3 points. The third from 
position the ball is received, if made to count 1 point. 
The ''break" is also in this game and one step is allowed 
in throwing for the basket. 

To practice the pass, the beginners can form a circle 
and pass the ball from one to another by using various 
throws. Two-handed push from the chest; two-handed 



10 



over head; two-handed under hand; two-handed from 
right shoulder; two-handed from left shoulder; one- 
handed right side; one-handed left side; one-handed 
(''the hook'') over head; one-handed under hand; ''base 
ball"; and "shot put''. Now make this a moving circle 
and pass to the next pla3^er in front, allowing for the 
moving man by passing in front of him. This is a very 
good warm-up for a team before the game. 

Another way to practice the pass is for two or more 
players to "work" the ball up and down the court. Using 
a short pass, and throwing the ball in front of the man 
who receives. At the end of the court one of the players 
shoots for the basket. Then the ball is "worked" by 
short passes to the other'end. 

A game of "Keep-away" will help the passing. 
Players are divided to even sides, and one side tries to 
keep the ball away from the other side. When the ball 
is in possession of either side the other will try to get it. 
Follow the Basket Ball Rules as closely as possible or 
the play will become rough. 

In passing the ball in-bounds from out-bounds, and 
the player in possession of the ball is guarded closely, 
it would be well to "feint" a throw to get room for the 
pass. The "feint" is not only good to use from out- 
bounds, but during the play in-bounds it will deceive an 
opponent. A "feint" throw for the basket and a pass 
instead to another player can be worked successfully. 

When receiving the ball on a pass keep your eyes 
on the ball. Do not trust yourself to take the eyes ofif 
the ball until you have one or both hands on the ball. 



11 



There is one rule that helps one to be a good player in 
all games where a ball is used. Whether the game be 
Basket Ball, Foot Ball, Golf, Hand Ball, or Base Ball, 
i. e., ''Keep your eye on the ball". 

To practice the dribble take the ball up and down 
the court by bounding it on the floor, using the best 
hand. A right handed man dribbles with the right hand 
only. Try dribbling in a circle ; then try a zig-zag 
course up and down the court. After the player becomes 
more proficient he can bound the ball in dribbling from 
one hand to the other. 

Station a player to guard and try dribbling past him 
for a shot at the basket. The dribble rule allows one 
dribble in the air. After trying to pass the guard by 
dribbling on the floor, bound the ball on the floor until 
close to the guard then dribble once in the air to get pass. 

Study the dribble rule carefully. You cannot run or 
carry the ball. The dribble rule takes that place. You 
can dribble all over the court if you observe the rule. In 
a game it is bad form to dribble when a pass toward 
your own goal can be made. 
• 

Guarding an opponent who has possession of the 
ball takes skill and practice. There is one fundamental 
rule to follow that will help to keep from fouling: 'Tlay 
the ball and not the man". 

Get both hands on the ball, without reaching 
around an opponent, and you are on equal basis with 
him. Put your weight on the ball and his pass will be 
poor. To take the ball away, strength and skill are 



12 



called into play. A sudden quick jerk will sometimes 
do it, a ''pivot" is another way, and another is to push 
the ball downward out of his grasp. If an opponent 
''pivots" on being guarded, move around to the opposite 
side to his turn, and get both hands on the ball. 

To "pivot" "while retaining possession of the ball", 
a part turn or more is made by stepping around on one 
place on the floor, without "progressing in any direction". 
A "pivot" is very successful and useful when about to be 
guarded as it is a difficult thing to guard a player from 
the rear, it "usually results in personal contact, which is 
a personal foul." 

Guarding an opponent by using the arms extended 
straight sideways or over head will seldom get the ball 
or a "held ball". 

Guard an opponent who has the ball out-bounds by 
putting both hands, arms bent, elbows pointing down, in 
front of the chest. Follow the ball with the hands thru 
the "feints'', but do not extend arms to full length, and 
on the pass, one or both hands can cover the ball so that 
it will be trapped or stopped. Keep your eyes on the ball 
do not watch an opponent's eyes. 

A player in covering an opponent, in anticipation 
of a pass, does not stay close to him ; but near enough to 
come in and intercept the pass and far enough away to 
let the player making the pass think that he is open. 
Long passes are easier to intercept than short passes. 

Beginners have a bad habit of batting the ball after a 
missed shot at the opponents' basket. The right way is 



13 



to catch the ball and make a pass or dribble toward your 
own goal. It is correct to bat the ball a short distance 
into the hands of a player on your own team, but be sure 
of the play before batting the ball. 

The Center must train for the jump just the same as 
the high jumper trains for a track meet. Plenty of practice 
and training. Centers are allow to stand in their own 
half of the circle in any manner they choose. One arm 
must be in contact with the back until the the tap off. 
If it is possible, try and get a lift with the other arm on 
the jump. Keep the wrist and fingers stiff and rigid 
in the tap off, this will add to the height. The majority 
of 'plays begin with the tap off at center. 

Most every player on a team at one time or another, 
during a game, will jump as at center, so it would be well 
to practice the tap off. 

In conclusion let me call your attention to a few 
important points. ''English'' or the twist on a ball is not 
for beginners. Use the two-handed pass or in shooting 
for the basket. Habits of practice must be good habits. 
'Tlay the ball and not the man". "Keep your eye on the 
ball". 



14 




Summary of Rules for Beginners 



There are 5 players on a team. Captain is the spoke- 
man for his team. Substitute reports to Scores, does not 
enter the court until play has been suspended, reports to 
Referee. A player may re-enter the game once, except 
for disqualification for four personal fouls, or other dis- 
qualifications. Cannot leave court without permission 
of Referee or Umpire, until time of half is called. 

Ball must enter the basket from above to score. A 
player is out of bounds when he touches the line or out 
side of line. The ball is out of bounds when it touches 
the boundary line on the floor outside of line, the supports 
of the back board, or a player touches it when he is out 
of bounds. Two players withholding the ball from play 
by having one or both hands on it, or one player being 
closely guarded, a ''held ball" is declared and the ball is 
tossed up between them as at center. 

One step is allowed in making a pass, starting a drib- 
ble, and making a throw for the goal. More than one 
step or progressing in any direction is a foul. If the ball 
is caught while running the player is allowed to stop. 

Dribbling is made by throwing, batting, bounding, 
rolling, fumbling, or mufifing the ball and touching it 
again, before another player touches it. A goal made 
after a dribble counts. A dribble is finished when the 
ball stops, or it is touched by both hands simultaneously. 



15 



Holding is personal contact with an opponent, 
blocking is stopping an opponent without the ball. 
Holding, blocking, tripping, pushing, and charging are 
personal fouls. 

20 minutes to a half. 10 minutes betwxen halves. 
Game starts by Referee throwing ball up at center. 
Centers stand in own half of circle, one hand in contact 
with middle of the small of his back, jumps for tap off, 
hand to back until tap off. 

2 points scored for goals made from field, 1 point 
made by goal from foul line. Team scoring greater 
number of points wins. 

10 seconds are allowed to make a Free Throw when 
foul is called. All players must stay outside of Free 
Throw Lane until ball has touched basket or back board, 
except player making throw, who cannot touch or cross 
Foul line until ball has touched basket or back board. 
He cannot pass to another player on a Free Throw. 

5 seconds are allowed to make throw in from out 
of bounds. The player cannot throw for basket from 
out of bounds, nor step in-bounds on making throw, nor 
play the ball until another player touches it. A player 
cannot interfere with another who has the ball out of 
bounds by reaching over boundary line, or crossing the 
line. 

A technical foul is called on player making a second 
dribble, running with the ball, kicking it, or striking it 
with the fist. 



16 



THE BRADFORD-ROBIN»«N PT«. CO. 



